Syphilis cases in Japan hit record 8,155

Treponema pallidum, a bacterium that causes syphilis, is currently being reported in Japan, with a record 8,155 cases reported this year, mainly in people in their 20s, according to an electronic microscope provided by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases Syphilis.

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases NIID reported that 8,155 cases of the sexually transmitted disease had been tallied nationwide as of Sept. 4, suggesting that this year s total will likely increase.

The NIID began collecting data on syphilis cases by using its current method in 1999.

According to Katsumi Shigemura, an associate professor of urology at Kobe University and a senior official at the Japanese Association of Infectious Diseases, the increase is likely to result from people becoming more promiscuous, as social media provides ample opportunities to have sex with strangers.

He said that even if suspected symptoms are gone, people should undergo an examination as soon as they suspect a remote chance of being infected.

The most cases were reported by Tokyo by prefecture, followed by 1,091 in Osaka Prefecture, 463 in Aichi Prefecture and 332 in Fukuoka Prefecture.

An analysis of the cases reported between January and July showed that 34 percent of patients were in their 20 s, people in their 30 s accounted for 22 percent, with 20 percent being in their 40 s.

67 percent of the patients are men.

A patient develops syphilis after being infected with the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

The bacterium is transmissible through intercourse, kissing and other sexual activities.

It can be passed from a mother to her unborn child.

A patient will have a small sore on their genitals or mouth about a month or so after becoming infected.

Although the sore disappears naturally, red rashes appear all over the body in one to three months, accompanied by fever and fatigue in some cases.

Even if patients don't experience symptoms for a long time, symptoms can later return.

Without treatment, patients can develop bumps on the skin or bones or bulging and swelling of the aorta three to 10 years later.

If a person has been infected, a blood test can determine that person is infected. The disease is treatable.

Shigemura said syphilis is preventable with the proper use of contraceptives.